in the last couple years, i've learned a lot about my skin; things that i wish i could go back in time and tell my teenage self. i struggled with mild acne growing up and had no idea how to manage it. my version of skincare was buying every drying or acidic product and slathering it on my face, thinking that i was breaking out because my skin was too oily.

i've learned about balance and how my skin knows better than i do. when i wash my face less, it looks better because i'm not stripping my skin of its natural, essential oils. when i stopped drying it out and started putting moisture in, it cleared up. when i drink green tea and eating antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries and almonds, my skin glows! (for my clear skin secrets and tips, click here!)

i still have a lot to learn and i still have occasional break outs that tip my world upside down. i wish i had the confidence to leave the house completely barefaced, but i don't. having breakouts makes me feel like i can't face the world and look it straight in the eye, like everyone is staring at my uneven complexion. whether you suffer from acne or rosacea or psoriasis or whatever, the state of your skin directly affects your self-confidence.

like i said, i still have a lot to learn about skincare and my skin is not perfect. and until it is, i always have some sort of foundation on, depending on the clarity of my skin.wonder if there will ever be a day when i feel like i don't need to wear foundation. a day when i can truly breakup with my makeup.

for those of you who struggle with rosacea or red skin, that day may come sooner than you think. mirvaso is a product by galderma laboratories, l.p. that treats facial redness so you don't have to cover it up.

Indication:Mirvaso® (brimonidine) topical gel, 0.33% is an alpha adrenergic agonist indicated for the topical treatment of persistent (nontransient) facial erythema of rosacea in adults 18 years of age or older. Adverse Events: In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions (≥1%) included erythema, flushing, skin burning sensation and contact dermatitis. Warnings/Precautions: Mirvaso Gel should be used with caution in patients with depression, cerebral or coronary insufficiency, Raynaud's phenomenon, orthostatic hypotension, thromboangiitis obliterans, scleroderma, or Sjögren’s syndrome. Alpha-2 adrenergic agents can lower blood pressure. Mirvaso Gel should be used with caution in patients with severe or unstable or uncontrolled cardiovascular disease. Serious adverse reactions following accidental ingestion of Mirvaso Gel by children have been reported. Keep Mirvaso Gel out of reach of children. Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.